The Subtle Storytelling Genius of Hollow Knight and Silksong

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Both *Hollow Knight* and its anticipated sequel, *Silksong*, are known for being difficult games, but what truly makes them special is how they tell their stories. Instead of relying on lots of dialogue or cutscenes, the games create a powerful narrative through atmosphere and subtle details. This approach, called environmental storytelling, leaves a lasting impression on players even after they finish playing.

This approach is common in games like *Dark Souls*, and it really emphasizes skillful gameplay. It works because it depends on players carefully watching and understanding what’s happening. To see why *Hollow Knight* and the upcoming *Silksong* are so popular, it’s helpful to look at how their design choices use the game’s world, characters, and mechanics to tell a story.

Hollow Knight’s World as a Narrative

The heart of *Hollow Knight* isn’t just a setting – it’s the story itself. The ruined kingdom of Hallownest speaks volumes through its environments. Instead of being told what happened, players discover the history of a fallen civilization through crumbling buildings and the remains of its people – a familiar approach for fans of Souls-like games. The game trusts players to piece things together, relying on visual storytelling rather than lengthy explanations. While the cause of Hallownest’s downfall isn’t directly stated, the atmosphere powerfully conveys the sense of loss and decay.

Like its predecessor, *Silksong* emphasizes environmental storytelling, but it takes place in Pharloom, a kingdom that’s currently struggling to survive. Unlike the ruined world of *Hollow Knight*, Pharloom is a fragile society on the brink of collapse, offering a new way to uncover its history through exploration. Players will piece together the story by observing the world around them, and that act of discovery is a compelling experience in itself.

Team Cherry, the creators of *Hollow Knight* and *Silksong*, demonstrate a brilliant storytelling technique: they show, rather than tell. Instead of explicitly explaining the story, they give players just enough clues to piece things together themselves. This makes the experience feel deeply personal, as if each player is uniquely discovering the mysteries of Hallownest and Pharloom. By encouraging players to connect the dots, Team Cherry creates a much stronger connection to the game’s world than traditional storytelling ever could.

Revealing Characters Through Action

The characters in *Hollow Knight* are primarily defined by their actions, not their words. The main character, the Knight, is intentionally silent, but this silence powerfully conveys more than any dialogue could. This approach extends to other characters as well, like Hornet. She’s first presented through a challenging fight, and her skills and determination are immediately clear, even before players learn her story.

In *Silksong*, the focus shifts to Hornet, which is interesting because players already know her through her previous actions. Unlike the silent Knight, Hornet does speak occasionally, but her words are brief and to the point. Instead, her story is revealed through her graceful movements and skillful combat. She *shows* players who she is, rather than simply *telling* them – a classic storytelling technique. This approach fits perfectly with the design philosophy of *Hollow Knight*, where a character’s personality is expressed through how they play, their place in the world, and how they interact with you.

This storytelling approach deepens player involvement. Instead of relying on characters explaining themselves, you learn about their motivations – like their desperation or obsessions – through how they behave in battle. Each fight reveals personality through gameplay, not just through words. Players gain a real understanding of these characters, even if their backstories aren’t fully explained.

Emotion Intensifies Through Gameplay

Both *Hollow Knight* and *Silksong* effectively show emotions through how the games are played. The careful timing needed for combat in *Hollow Knight* highlights the importance of persistence and skill, making the player truly feel the danger of the world. This immersive experience connects with the game’s story, reflecting themes of loss and the will to keep going in the kingdom of Hallownest.

Silksong takes the healing mechanic in a new direction. Unlike in Hollow Knight, where healing is slow and deliberate, Silksong’s protagonist, Hornet, heals quickly but only for brief moments, often during battles. This creates a sense of urgency and demands precise timing. While Hollow Knight encouraged players to be patient and persistent, Silksong focuses on quick reflexes and the ability to adapt. These aren’t just gameplay choices; they’re carefully designed to reflect Hornet’s personality and establish the overall mood of the game. It’s a clever way to use gameplay to immerse players in the world.

Games like *Hollow Knight* and *Silksong* prove that compelling stories don’t need to be explicitly stated. Team Cherry expertly builds meaning into the game’s world, how characters move, and the gameplay itself, creating a subtle yet lasting form of environmental storytelling. These aren’t stories that conclude when you finish playing; they continue to resonate, inviting players to uncover the hidden histories and create their own interpretations. The success is clear: these games leave a lasting impression, creating strong memories and a dedicated fanbase excited for Team Cherry’s future projects.

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2025-09-17 01:10